Technology - Indoor Climbing Gyms Have Put an Entirely New Spin on the Sport of Rock Cli

Indoor climbing gyms offer a unique and accessible way to experience rock climbing, closely mirroring the movements and techniques of outdoor climbing. While climbing on plastic and plywood isn't exactly the same as scaling real rock, the indoor experience is designed to be fun and highly relevant. Most of the skills you develop indoors are immediately transferable to outdoor climbing, making it an excellent training ground for aspiring climbers, even if indoor climbers don't have to worry about route finding.

The Essential Role of Climbing Holds

At the heart of the indoor climbing experience are the climbing holds themselves. These come in an incredible variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. While hold manufacturers strive to replicate the diversity of natural rock formations, they also create unique designs. You'll find holds designed to mimic specific rock types, such as limestone's characteristic pockets and divots, or granite's tiny crystal edges and flakes.

Exploring Different Types of Climbing Holds

Beyond mimicking natural rock, climbing holds also come in novelty designs, particularly popular for children's walls or easier routes. Depending on the manufacturer, you can find holds shaped like:

You might also encounter bolt-on cracks, which tend to be quite large and bulky. Even bigger are "feature" holds, which can be the size of a watermelon or more. These massive holds provide route setters and climbers with a vast array of grip and movement possibilities.

Why Hold Texture Matters

While shape is crucial, a hold's texture is equally important. A texture that's too smooth won't offer enough friction, forcing climbers to over-grip or risk slipping, especially on less positive (outward-sloping) holds. Conversely, an overly abrasive texture, while easy to grip, can be tough on your hands.

Fortunately, many new, rougher holds tend to soften and become more comfortable after a few climbing sessions. Manufacturers often prefer to make holds slightly too rough initially, knowing they will wear down to a more pleasant texture, rather than making them too smooth and difficult to use from the start.